Ida D. Colon Smith, 76, of Exeter Township, entered eternal rest on Friday, June 21, 2024, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Born in Villalba, Puerto Rico on September 10, 1947, she was a daughter to the late Herminia Colon Torres and Juan Marrero. Ida migrated to Reading, PA in 1954 with her mother and siblings, settling on S. 6th St. with her late uncle Pedro Colon Torres.
Ida attended St. Peter's School and later earned her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from RACC. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Peter’s the Apostle Church, where she was a Catechism Teacher for many years.
Ida's career was marked by her dedication to community service and advocacy. She held various leadership roles including; Ombudsman at Mental Health Association Berks County, Director at Olivet Boys & Girls Club, Director of Hispanic Urban Development with Girl Scouts of America, Mental Health Advocate at Reading Hospital, and Director of The Drop-In Center at The Circle of Friends in downtown Reading, from where she retired. Her passion for community service and children's welfare furthermore defined her professional life.
A pioneer in community initiatives, Ida was instrumental in developing the largest Puerto Rican Latin Festival in Reading from 1985 to 1998. She also established the city's first Latino Youth Camp and first Hispanic Women's Softball Team. In the early 1980's, she served as President of the Hispanic Center and was a founding board member of the Puerto Rican Latin Association. She has gained several accolades in recognition of her outstanding passion and trailblazing contributions to the Reading Latino Community. The most recent being the 2022 Community Legacy Award granted by the Berks County Latino Chamber of Commerce.
Ida was known for her fun-loving vibrant spirit and generous heart. Her integrity was unwavering; she believed in doing the right thing, even when no one was watching. Ida's home was a safe haven and open to her family and friends; always keeping a "light on" for them when they needed a place to stay. Ida and her husband Logan's entire married life has been devoted to their children and grandchildren whom she adored. She was always unconditionally present in their lives, supporting all of their individual activities and interests from hunting, to musical productions, to sports games. Ida’s love extended to her furry companions as well; she was a devoted pet mom to her dog, Bruno, and her cat, Homie.
In her retirement, Ida cherished her blessings and celebrated life to the fullest. She enjoyed going to church, traveling, dancing, and spending time with her loved ones; especially her niece Antoinette Colon-Davidson and great-niece Sophia Sowers. Ida's smiling face and endearing presence will be remembered by the cherished moments she so dearly gave to us all.
Ida leaves behind a legacy of love, service, kindness and generosity that will be remembered by all who were blessed enough to have known her. Rest in eternal peace, dear Ida.
Ida's spirit will be carried on with her beloved husband of 58 years, Logan Stewart Smith Sr.; her son Logan Stewart Smith Jr. and his wife Marilyn Smith, of Wyomissing; her daughter Delilah Arlette (Smith) Remp and her husband Dustin Derek Remp, of Shoemakersville; and step-daughter Artresse Morrison and her wife Alice Jordan, of California. She also leaves behind her sister Eliasol Colon-Rodriguez, of Easton; seven grandchildren: Logan Stewart Smith III, Marquis M. Smith, Mason J. Smith,, Alijah K. Smith, Demarion Morrison-Jordan, Donovan D. Remp, and Granddaughter Delani D. Remp.
In addition to her loving parents and uncle, Ida was greeted in heaven by her brother Miguel A. Colon, and her two sisters Nymia Colon and Mildred Colon.
A viewing for Ida will be held Monday, July 1, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Theo C. Auman Inc., 247 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601. Prayer vigil will commence in the funeral home at 7 p.m., with Deacon Mariano Torres officiating. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 9:30 a.m., at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 322 S. 5th St., Reading, PA 19602. Graveside committal will immediately follow at Berks County Memorial Gardens, 201 Evansville Rd., Fleetwood, PA 19522.
